When designer Alyssa Young of Harper Gray Design was tasked to design Alisha and Rob's living room in Toronto’s midtown, she wanted to create a kid-friendly space with a clean aesthetic. Using a neutral backdrop, graphic accents and airy layout, this contemporary look doesn’t sacrifice comfort or function. Here, we’ve rounded up the four design elements that were used to achieve it.

High Contrast

Photography: Alex Lukey | Styling: Alyssa Young

This living room highlights an important design lesson: contrast adds layers and interest to a space. By incorporating darker accents into the design, Alyssa created a look that’s equally striking and beautiful. White walls, a cream-coloured rug and light grey sofas act as a perfectly neutral backdrop so that the darker statement pieces can really steal the show.

Saturated Hues

Photography: Alex Lukey | Styling: Alyssa Young

Gone are the days of muted, soft tones: Colour is back in a big way! A neutral space like this is an ideal opportunity to bring a few bold colours into the mix. Here, jewel-toned toss cushions and accessories add a lovely depth and richness to the bright living room.

Natural Light

Photography: Alex Lukey | Styling: Alyssa Young

“Sunlight is something that should always be maximized when available,” says Alyssa. Here, the large window overlooks a verdant backyard, so Alyssa mirrored that lush greenery inside. Leaving the window mostly unadorned allows for lots of natural light. “The lighter room juxtaposed with the darker pieces creates a gentle chiaroscuro effect,” she adds.

Clean Lines

Photography: Alex Lukey | Styling: Alyssa Young

From the attention-grabbing light fixture to the shapely arm chairs and sleek, linear fireplace, this inviting design scheme is full of clean lines that draw the eye upwards and give the small room the visual space it needs. Choosing leggy furniture instead of upholstered pieces adds a light, airy feeling - especially important in a room like this that’s open to the kitchen.

“My plan for this space was to create a cozy and comfortable room that would complement the open kitchen,” says designer Alyssa Young.

INTERIOR DESIGN, Harper Gray Design; ARCHITECT, Manarch Design Inc.; BUILDER, Lauren Homes; COUCHES, Montauk; ARM CHAIR, Elte; COFFEE TABLE, Restoration Hardware; LIGHT FIXTURE, Commute Home; RUG, Dominium Rug; SIDE TABLE, Cocoon Furnishing; STOOLS, Cocoon Furnishing.